There’s more to the heavyweights than Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. They continue to show depth not seen in years.
Another sign of the division’s ongoing comeback from dormant days landed on the calendar Tuesday with Matchroom Boxing’s announcement of Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povektin on May 2 in Manchester, England on DAZN in the United States and Sky Box Office in the U.K.
“I want to be heavyweight champion of the world, so anywhere in the world is my lion’s den,” said Whyte, who ranks as the No. 1 challenger to the title Tyson Fury took from Wilder Feb. 22 in a rematch. “If you aspire to be world champion, you should be able to fight anywhere.’’
Fury, who is set to fight Wilder for a third time probably in July, has talked about three more bouts before retirement. After Wilder and presumably Joshua, he has mentioned Whyte. Then again, he has also mentioned Dereck Chisora. Fury figures to change his mind again. And again.
All Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) can do is keep himself at the top the rankings and in the public eye. He needs more than a win against Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs). He needs a performance that fans won’t forget and Fury can’t ignore.
“This is a great fight,’’ said Whyte, whose only loss was to Joshua in 2015. “Povetkin is an Olympic gold medalist, has loads of experience, he’s a former world champion and he’s only lost to Joshua and [Wladimir] Klitschko.’’
Whyte is coming off a unanimous decision over Mariusz Wach in Saudi Arabia on a card featuring Anthony Joshua’s decision Andy Ruiz Jr. in a rematch Dec. 7. Whyte’s status was uncertain before the bout because of a reported doping violation. He was cleared by an investigation and allowed to fight.
Povetkin, a Russian who has tested positive twice for performance enhancers, also appeared on the Joshua-Ruiz rematch card, fighting to a split draw with Michael Hunter.
“I am pleased to fight Whyte,” Povetkin said in a news release. “It has long been discussed but didn’t happen for whatever reason. Dillian is a good, strong boxer, and it will make for an interesting fight.’’
Whyte and Povetkin are scheduled to be at a news conference Wednesday in Manchester.